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Indiana
Pine Hills
Why You Should Visit
Indiana's first dedicated nature preserve, Pine Hills is a remarkable example of the natural beauty our state has to offer. Hogback ridges with steep dropoffs, craggy hills, deep gorges and extensive sandstone bluffs are covered with stands of evergreens and hardwood trees. It is truly an outstanding natural area, and well-deserving of the praises so many Hoosiers have bestowed upon it.
Fun fact - Pine Hills was the first project of the The Nature Conservancy's Indiana Chapter!
Location
Montgomery County
Ecoregion
North Central Tillplain
Size
599 Acres
Dedicated
State Nature Preserve, 1969
Designated
National Natural Landmark, 1968
Owned & Managed By
Division of State Parks and Reservoirs
Things To Do
Plants and Animals
Groves of northern relict hemlock, white pine, Canada yews, old-growth oak, hickory forests and virgin beech/maple woods make Pine Hills one of Indiana's finest woodlands. Five miles of clear streams flow past overhanging cliffs and treacherous rock slides, so please step with care, especially around the several steep backbones - like the Devil's Backbone, Turkey Backbone and Mill Cut Backbone - which have dropoffs of 70 -125 feet. The variety of terrain provides habitat for various species of wildflowers, ferns and other rare plants.
Plan Your Visit
The easy to moderate terrain and existing trails at the preserve will make for an exciting hike around the preserves. It can be easy to get lost in these woods with its switchbacks and box canyons, so be cautious of your steps. For more hiking opportunities in the area, visit the adjacent Shades State Park.
For More Information
Division of State Parks and Reservoirs
Directions
Notice: Entry into Pine Hills is now from within Shades State Park. The State Park may have an entrance fee; see their website for complete details. The parking lot and trail head located along Hwy 234 have been replaced with a new parking lot and trail head accessed by following signs within Shades State Park.
Discussion
Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.
Add Your Comments
Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!
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